POLICY ON ALCOHOL

Fairmont State/Pierpont prohibits the sale, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the campus. Violators are subject to disciplinary action.

State Law Prohibits the sale of all alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21 and the purchase of alcoholic liquors by persons under the age of 21.

WV Code 60-3-22a & b, and 61-8-27a

POLICY ON DRUGS

Fairmont State and Pierpont are in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

The possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of an illegal drug is prohibited on property owned or controlled by Fairmont State. Members of the campus community are responsible for knowing and complying with the provisions of State and Federal laws that prohibit the unlawful possession, sale, delivery, manufacture, or use of those drugs known as controlled substances.

Fairmont State and Pierpont, in coordination with the community organizations and agencies, provide counseling and substance abuse education programs. These programs are available through the Office of Student Affairs and the Human Resources Office.

Student Handbook:

Fairmont State does not permit or approve of the possession, distribution, or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on the campus, or in any Fairmont State approved residence, or by recognized campus organizations. This is consistent with Interpretive Rule, State College System of West Virginia Board of Directors, Series No. 42. Fairmont State's position is to firmly discourage use of alcoholic beverages without infringing upon the rights of those persons protected by the law. The legal age in West Virginia for purchasing alcoholic liquor, wine, or non-intoxicating beer is 21, and alcoholic liquor, wine or non-intoxicating beer cannot be legally purchased by an individual who is less than 21 years of age.

Students are advised that they will be held responsible and disciplined for any violation of the law governing the use of alcohol or other illegal drugs. As adults, students are expected to obey the law and be responsible for their own conduct.

Individuals found in violation of alcohol policies or state law, or who display prohibited or disruptive behavior as a result of intoxication while on the premises, or while participating in a Fairmont State-sponsored activity, may be subject to disciplinary action. Individuals found violating municipal ordinances or state laws relating to the purchase or consumption of alcoholic beverages while on the campus of Fairmont State may also be subject to prosecution for the violation in the appropriate court. The applicable municipal ordinances or state laws include under-age consumption of alcoholic beverages, open containers of beer or alcoholic beverages in a public place, use of false or altered identification, and public intoxication. The imposition of disciplinary proceedings is not dependent upon nor determined by existence or outcome of any criminal prosecution.

Counseling services are available for students who are concerned about their drinking or drug abuse. The staff responsible for this program will not judge you, criticize you, or moralize with you about your health and well-being. They are there to listen to you, to help you understand the nature of alcohol and drug abuse and to suggest a program, if appropriate, to meet your needs. For more information, call 367-4792 or refer to the Academic Catalog.

Parental Notification of Alcohol and Drug Violations
The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 provides that:
"DRUG AND ALCOHOL VIOLATION DISCLOSURES Nothing in this Act or the Higher Education Act of 1965 shall be construed to prohibit an institution of higher education from disclosing, to a parent or legal guardian of a student, information regarding any violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the institution, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, regardless of whether that information is contained in the student's education record, if - (A) the student is under the age of 21; and (B) the institution determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession."

Fairmont State Policy: Per the guidelines of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Fairmont State will notify the parents or legal guardians of under 21 students who are involved in disruptive or inappropriate behavior or incidents which results in residence hall or campus disciplinary action and which involve the legal use or possession of alcohol or drugs.